McPherson Main Street is participating in a loan and grant program aimed at beautifying McPherson downtown.

Main Street recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Department of Commerce to retain more than $96,000 in funding that has been accumulated through the Incentives Without Walls program. The program was previously administered by Kansas Main Street before its dissolution in September.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will allow us to continue to offer 0 percent loans to members located in the downtown district,” Ann Engel, McPherson Main Street executive director, said.

“As loans are paid back, we are able to re-loan the funds, allowing us to continue our mission to help our business members in every possible way.”

McPherson Main Street has nine active loans totaling $85,364 with a current balance of available funds of $10,765. Each month payments total $1,400, so the available fund will grow. The Incentives Without Walls Program is a 3 to 1 match with the business providing the bulk of the funding.

The latest recipient of the Incentives Without Walls program was Little Caesars, which received $20,000 for its renovation of a former convenience store in the 300 block of South Main Street.

Main Street is using its own funds to support grants for smaller improvement projects.

Design Grants are awarded to Main Street member business located in the downtown district for small projects, such as signage, awnings and painting. The current amount available is $600. The deadline to apply is June 30. Contact Engel at 306 N. Main St., call 620-241-7430 or email mainst@mcphersonks.org for details and an application.